San Diego School District Uses Prop 39 Funds for Energy Savings

The Del Mar Union School District in San Diego, California, has received $850,000 from Proposition 39, the California Clean Energy Jobs Act, the Del Mar Times reports.

Approved by California voters in November 2012, Prop 39 provides an estimated $2.75 billion in funding over five years to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in K-12 schools and other public buildings.

An energy audit completed as part of the Prop 39 application process found that HVAC unit control and operation throughout the day was insufficient; energy use had large increases over a few peak hours per day; lights and HVAC units were often left on in unoccupied rooms; and doors were propped open while HVAC systems were operating.

Del Mar will use the finds to replace an old, inefficient HVAC system at Carmel Del Mar, add a central HVAC control for the entire district and add LED lighting at two campuses. The district estimates that these energy efficiency improvements will result in $63,000 in annual savings.

A Carrier iVu energy management system will be installed at Carmel Del Mar, Ocean Air, Sycamore Ridge and Torrey Hills. The system will reduce peak demand spikes that occur by not allowing some units to turn on when peak demand is at a certain level, waiting until another unit is ready to turn off. The installation is expected to save $19,000 at these four schools and $31,000 at all eight schools.

Over the summer, new HVAC units will be installed at Carmel Del Mar. The HVAC units have motion sensors and controls to reduce overall energy consumption.

Lighting upgrades will be installed at Del Mar Heights and Sage Canyon. Current light fixtures will be replaced with longer-lasting LED light fixtures with occupancy sensors and dimming controls. The school district will also take advantage of a San Diego Gas & Electric rebate for the LED installation.

The HVAC installation and lighting upgrades could results in $16,000 in energy savings. The total estimated cost of all the Prop 39 work is $834,000.

One thought on “San Diego School District Uses Prop 39 Funds for Energy Savings”

I’m not so sure improving energy efficiency can be seen as being the same as renewable energy? But hey, if this San Diego school district can convince the powers that the in the state that they’re using the proposition 39 funds appropriately, then who am I to question them?